Crow

Hickman

WHEELING – Ohio County Schools has named its teacher and service personnel employee of the year.

Rick Hickman — activities custodian at Wheeling Park High School — has been selected as the Ohio County Schools service personnel employee of the year.

Middle Creek Elementary School teacher Stephanie Crow, meanwhile, is the Ohio County teacher of the year.

Crow is a motocross competitor, and she gained national attention during a television segment noting how she weaves her motocross background into teaching math concepts to students. She is now in contention to be named as the West Virginia Teacher of the Year.

Crow is in her 10th year of teaching, and she has taught for five years at Middle Creek.

Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kimberly Miller congratulated Crow on earning the distinction, and said she would not be surprised if Crow earns statewide recognition.

“Ms. Crow is an outstanding educator,” Miller said. “She is dedicated to her students, and she inspires them with her enthusiasm. Ohio County Schools has excellent teachers, and she is one of the finest we have. She will represent our schools well, and I know she is a great candidate to be named as the West Virginia Teacher of the Year.”

Middle Creek Elementary School Principal Katrina Lewis said she was thrilled to learn that Crow was named the county’s teacher of the year. She said Crow, who is a fourth-grade teacher, creates a climate and culture in her classroom that students find fun and exciting. Lewis said Crow also fosters a love of learning in her students.

“I have been a teacher and an administrator for many years, and Stephanie may be the best I’ve ever seen,” she said. “She has an incredible ability to establish real and meaningful relationships with her students. They are drawn to her because she is engaging, and that makes them want to learn. She is always trying something new, and that makes the children excited to be there. Her classroom climate is phenomenal, and what she’s done as an educator is tremendous.”

Crow and her teaching skills were featured during an NBC Sports segment during a broadcast of the Monster Energy Supercross.

She created the YouTube channel “Education MOTOvation,” featuring lessons related to motocross and other action sports. Crow said teachers from around the U.S. have contacted her to let her know that their students watch the “Dirt Bike Teacher” lessons.

She also enjoys snowboarding, basketball, hockey and softball. Crow’s musical talents include playing the violin and drums.

Hickman has served as the activities custodian at WPHS for the past two years. WPHS Activities Director Dwaine Rodgers said Hickman performs his duties at an exemplary level.

“Mr. Hickman demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the school community,” Rodgers said. “He’s made an amazing impact at Wheeling Park High School. Rick is a dependable worker who is always willing to put in the extra effort and time to make sure everything is ready to go for our events.”

Rodgers described Hickman as an asset to Wheeling Park High School. He said Hickman is meticulous in performing the cleaning and maintenance tasks in the building, and has established excellent working relationships with the staff members at the school.

“He’s a tireless worker who handles responsibility well,” Rodgers said. “Rick is always cheerful and willing to assist with any task, and he is well liked by the staff and his peers.”